Conversations in Cloth exists to support and encourage the creative energy of our members in their pursuit of fiber art and related artistic endeavors. By sharing ideas and knowledge, we will foster the growth of each individual.
We meet the last Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Menasha Public Library, Menasha, Wisconsin.

Sunday, September 28, 2008

This Work in Progress is Karen's from a recent class. Stay tuned. She continues to add beads and other finishing touches.

Another WIP from Karen.

Samples of the dyed Paper Towels we made this month. Thanks to Lois for leading the session, and providing the kits!Since we used Viva paper towels (courtesy of Katy at the paper mill), they seem as strong as fabric and can be used in a variety of art quilt applications.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Turns out I have another trip this month—have fun playing with color & see you in October! --Katy

Recap of August Meeting (August 28, 2008)(Thanks Michele for taking notes!) For the August Meeting, we had a potluck at Karen's house near Green Bay (Field Trip!). It was also Karen's Birthday! Everyone brought food, so we had a nice assortment to choose from. Teresa also asked people in the class to give her their used (colored) paper towels / sop cloths. She has a head start on next month's projects ... and she's willing to share!

Sandy, Michele, and Teresa shared the fat quarters they created at the 3-day Mickey Lawler Fabric Painting Class sponsored by Darting Needles. Michele thinks this method of surface design has some positives over dyeing fabric--especially the vividness of the colors. Lois shared some GORGEOUS dyed pieces. Julie shared a sample of a new fabric, comparable to Tyvec, made by ironing a recyclable plastic bag between 2 sheets of parchment.

We met at Karen's house because we all wanted to see her "Creative Space." It was very tidy and organized (not just because we were visiting). Karen doesn't throw away anything. She consciously re-purposes food containers to hold her odds and ends. Clear is best because you can see through it.

Everything can be recycled and re-purposed. She showed us two AOL boxes she is currently using for Bead Soup.

Karen glued a sheet magnet into the bottom of a tin to hold pins and needles.

Announcements and RemindersA decision has been made on the schedule for the rest of the year! Betty graciously agreed to bead with us in January. This means December 4th will be our offsite Christmas party. Gulliver’s has closed, so think about where we might like to meet this year. And get those white elephants ready!

September Meeting (Thursday September 25, 2008)For the September meeting, we will be coloring paper towels with Lois. The kit fee is $2 and covers use of Lois’s spray pigments. If you missed her samples a couple months ago, the effect is similar to tie-dye with mirror imaging. You end up with fantastic colors you can use for mixed media projects. Paper towels are supplied, but please bring:

Saran Wrap / Plastic (or in a pinch, about 6 plastic grocery bags)

Turkey basting pan or other box to catch the overspray

If you have one, a small spray bottle full of water; otherwise you can share